NCA March Roundup

Happy March everyone! There is a lot to report on over the past month, so I’ll cut to the chase. The Annual NCBA Cattle Industry Tradeshow and Convention was held the first week of February in New Orleans. A lot of topics currently impacting our industry were discussed in depth during the convention including USDA’s proposed rule on electronic identification for cattle moving interstate. The new rule would “require official ear tags to be visually and electronically readable for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison”. Certain cattle meaning sexually intact cattle and those that are 18 months of age or older, all female dairy cattle of any age and male dairy animals born after March 11, 2013. Cattle of any age used for rodeos or recreational events fall within the definition as well.

USDA’s stated goals of the proposed rule are to “advance the electronic sharing of data among federal and state animal health officials, veterinarians, and industry; including sharing basic animal disease traceability data with the federal animal health events repository (AHER). Use electronic identification tags for animals requiring individual identification in order to make the transmission of data more efficient. Enhance the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter through a system that allows tracking data points to be connected and elevate the discussion with States and industry to work toward a system where animal health certificates are electronically transmitted from private veterinarians to state animal health officials.”

Public comment on the proposed rule is currently being collected. The deadline to submit comments is March 20th. NCA is currently reviewing the proposed rule in its entirety to ensure that it meets the needs of Nevada livestock producers and NCA policy.

Another large topic discussed in New Orleans is the upcoming Farm Bill. Authorized by Congress every 5 years, the Farm Bill is the most comprehensive piece of legislation impacting agriculture. The majority of the Farm Bill affects eaters and not ranchers or farmers, however, there are several programs in the bill that are vital to cattlemen and women including voluntary conservation, risk management and disaster, and critical animal health programs. The deadline for reauthorizing the next Farm Bill is September 30, 2023. NCA is already discussing key priorities for the bill with members of the Nevada federal delegation. Stay tuned as conversations regarding the 2023 Farm Bill continue to take place.

I’d also like to take a minute to congratulate Fulstone Ranches in Smith, NV for being one of seven 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program regional winners announced at NCBA’s convention. The Environmental Stewardship Award annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers from across the nation. Regional and national award winners have been commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. The common trait among all winners is the desire to leave the land in better shape for future generations while also inspiring the next generation of land stewards. One national winner will be selected later this year out of the seven regional winners, and we wish the Fulstone family the best as they continue through the process.

On another note the 82nd Session of the Nevada Legislature is underway. At the time of writing this article NCA is working to establish relationships with new legislators and reconnect with the veteran legislators. We are also working to identify and respond to pieces of legislation that could have a positive or negative impact on Nevada producers. We expect a few different bills in regard to Nevada water law and other natural resource related topics. As we move through the Legislative Session, please feel free to contact me in regard to any of legislative proposals floating around Carson City over the next few months. Until next time.